Background
DesignSpark PCB resulted from a collaboration between electronics distributor RS Components and EDA software developer 'Number One Systems', being a fork of their long- established EDA Easy-PC.Projects
Projects are used in DesignSpark PCB to organise design files. A project can have an unlimited number of schematic sheets and one PCB layout file.Schematic capture
DesignSpark PCB has a Schematic editor. Schematics are used to draw up circuit diagrams and connections. A given project can have multiple schematic sheets that together combine to form the complete design. There are some useful third party libraries that can be added.PCB layout
Schematics are translated to a PCB layout file with a PCB Wizard. A PCB layout editor is then used to refine the physical layout of the printed circuit board. A design may have several iterations before a finalised printed circuit board is passed for production.Autorouter
DesignSpark PCB includes an auto-router which automatically places tracks between components on a PCB layout. Components can also be auto-placed. DesignSpark PCB produces Gerber and Excellon drill files. These standard files are accepted byDesignSpark PCB Pro
DesignSpark PCB Pro is a paid upgrade from the free DesignSpark PCB software and a free trial is available to test the additional functionality. It is aimed at professional electronic design engineers of SMEs with an expanded feature set compared to the free DesignSpark PCB software.Background
DesignSpark PCB Pro also resulted from a collaboration between electronics distributor RS Components and EDA software developer 'WestDev Ltd'.Features
DesignSpark PCB Pro has specialised tools to aid professionals with customising and managing large projects involving multi-layer PCBs. Noteworthy features referred to on the developer's website include: * Blind and Buried Vias - to connect between different layers of a complex printed circuit board * Fully configurable design rules editor and checker - to verify a circuit design and pass quality checks for production * Hierarchical Schematic Design - split multi-sheet schematics into building blocks to make them readable and manageable * Panel design editor - visualise and manage assembly of finished PCB designs prior to manufacturing * Variant Manager - to specify different design variants to meet global market requirements * Automatic shape-based and gridless router * Advanced routing modes – trunk routing for differential pairs and buses, pull tight, auto mitre, and auto neck tracks * Dual screen support * Cross-hatch copper pours, teardrops, bullet, and asymmetric pad shapes are supported.See also
* Comparison of EDA Software *References
Further reading
External links